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Asia-Pacific Population Journal

For over two decades, the Asia-Pacific Population Journal (APPJ) has been taking the pulse of population and social issues unfolding in the region. Published by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), APPJ brings out high quality, evidence-based and forward-looking articles relevant for population policies and programmes in Asia and the Pacific. Prominent population experts, award-winning demographers, as well as lesser known researchers have been contributing articles, documenting over the years the evolution of thinking in this important sphere.

Status, decision-making role and expectations of older persons in rural Maharashtra, India

In traditional Indian society, older persons were key decision makers while younger generations would tend to comply with their decisions. This tradition has changed in the context of modernization and urbanization. This paper focuses on the status of older persons, their role, their decision-making power and the expectations they have of their children, society and the government. Data for this paper was collected from the rural areas of Amravati district in Maharashtra, using semi-structured interview schedules. A total of 600 respondents, both males and females, were interviewed. A systematic sampling technique was used for data collection. In addition to the issues cited above, the impact of various socio-economic characteristics on decision-making power and status is discussed.